U.S. patent application number 12/152592 was filed with the patent office on 2008-11-20 for programmable brewer.
Invention is credited to Jody G. Jacobsen, Joseph P. Webster.
Application Number | 20080282897 12/152592 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 40026208 |
Filed Date | 2008-11-20 |
United States Patent
Application |
20080282897 |
Kind Code |
A1 |
Webster; Joseph P. ; et
al. |
November 20, 2008 |
Programmable brewer
Abstract
A programmable brewer capable of brewing approximately 250
different brewing profiles for beverages brewed by the brewer,
including a housing, the housing integrated into a base, said base
capable of supporting a decanter or canister into which the brewed
beverage is deposited, said cover being cantilevered forwardly at
the top of the housing, a water tank capable of producing heated
water for use for brewing purposes, a spray head contained within
the forward portion of the cover, and tubing provided for directing
hot water towards the spray head for deposit into a brew basket
holding grounds, so that during a brewing cycle, the water is
heated within the heating tank and siphoned towards the spray head
for deposit upon the grounds for brewing purposes. Said brewer
cooperating with a hand held computer for producing limited
programming functions available through the brewer during its
usage, said computer provided for initiating the set up of the
brewer for providing programmed operations during usage, said
computer providing for a calibration programming mode, during which
the brewer is calibrated for measuring a set amount of water to be
delivered through the spray head during a brewing cycle, said
computer providing for the establishment of the temperature
parameters for the brewer during a brewing cycle for determining
the temperature of the water delivered to the spray head during
operations, and said computer provided for establishing the
operation mode of a cold water dispensing tube and a hot water
dispense tube for determining the amounts of water to be dispensed
from said tubes during operations of a brew cycle.
Inventors: |
Webster; Joseph P.; (St.
Charles, MO) ; Jacobsen; Jody G.; (Defiance,
MO) |
Correspondence
Address: |
Paul M. Denk
763 S. New Ballas Rd., Ste 170
St. Louis
MO
63141
US
|
Family ID: |
40026208 |
Appl. No.: |
12/152592 |
Filed: |
May 15, 2008 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
60930470 |
May 16, 2007 |
|
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Current U.S.
Class: |
99/280 |
Current CPC
Class: |
A47J 31/56 20130101 |
Class at
Publication: |
99/280 |
International
Class: |
A47J 31/40 20060101
A47J031/40 |
Claims
1. A programmable brewer for use in a beverage brewing apparatus
incorporating a housing, said housing holding the water heating
tank, a base, said housing integrated into the back of the base for
providing support, said base designed for supporting a decanter or
beaker in a beverage brewing cycle, a cover, said cover attached to
the top of the housing, and said cover cantilever forwardly
therefrom, a spray head integrated into the forward portion of the
housing cover, and fluid flow lines provided for delivering water
from the housing and its heating tank to the spray head for
delivery of a select quantity of a predetermined temperature of
water during the performance of a brewing cycle; a computer means
operatively associated with the brewer, said computer means
provided for establishing the brew parameters for the brewer during
a brewing cycle, said computer provided for calibrating the amount
of heated water delivered through the spray head during a cycle,
said computer provided for calibrating the range of temperature of
the water heated within the water tank for delivery through the
spray head during a brewing cycle; and a cold water dispenser and a
hot water dispensing tube operatively associated with the housing,
for delivering a quantity of cold water or hot water respectively
through said dispensers during usage, and said computer provided
for establishing the quantity of cold and hot water delivered
through their respective dispensers during usage.
2. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including a panel
provided upon the front of the housing cover a control panel
provided proximate the panel of the housing cover, switches
operatively associated with the control panel and disposing said
series of switches for cooperating with said computer to regulate
the temperature of the hot water heated within the hot water tank,
and the quantity of hot water dispensed through the spray head
during a brewing cycle.
3. The programmable brewer of claim 2 and including select of said
switches provided for cooperating with said computer to determine
the quantity of hot water to be dispensed through the hot water
dispenser tube during usage.
4. The programmable brewer of claim 2 and including select of said
switches cooperating with the computer to determine the quantity of
cold water to be delivered through the cold water tube during
operations of the programmable brewer.
5. The programmable brewer of claim 2 and including a portion of
said control panel observable through the panel provided at the
front of the housing cover.
6. The programmable brewer of claim 1 wherein said hot water
dispensing tube being pivotal laterally to facilitate the delivery
of hot water to a cup during brewing of a beverage.
7. The programmable brewer of claim 1 wherein said computer capable
of establishing up to 250 brew profiles for the variety of
beverages to be brewed from the programmable brewer during its
usage.
8. The programmable brewer of claim 7 wherein select of said
switches provided upon the front of the housing cover are
selectable for determining the profile of beverage to be brewed and
the quantity dispensed during a brewing cycle.
9. The programmable brewer of claim 8 wherein said switches upon
the housing cover being actuatable and in combination with the
computer providing for a modification to existing beverage profiles
selectable to be brewed by the programmable brewer during its
usage.
10. The programmable brewer of claim 9 wherein a hand held computer
may be used in combination with the brewer to provide for the
establishment of the brew profiles for the variety of brewed
beverages that may be obtained from the programmable brewer during
its usage.
11. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including rails provided
along the underside of the housing cover to provide for
accommodation of a brew basket during brewing of a beverage.
12. The programmable brewer of claim 11 wherein the side walls of
the cover being ventilated to provide release of heat from the
housing during usage.
13. The programmable brewer of claim 11 wherein the back of the
housing having vents to provide for ventilation of heat during
operations of the programmable brewer.
14. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including a supplemental
housing provided upon the back of the cover for housing
miscellaneous electrical components for use for operations of the
brewer during conduct of a brewing cycle.
15. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including circuitry
within the brewer for cooperating with the computer means to
provide for calibration of the programmable brewer, and including a
triac, within said circuitry, that provides for tailoring the
effective wattage of the tank heater through quick electrical
pulses to very accurately control the characteristics of the
heating cycle for the brewer.
16. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including circuitry
within the brewer for cooperating with the computer means to
provide for calibration of the brewer for usage, and including said
circuitry incorporating a hi-limit thermostat, to protect the
heating system from component failure that would cause the heater
to run on after the desired tank temperature has been reached.
17. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including circuitry
within the brewer for cooperating with the computer means to
provide for calibrating of the said brewer, and including two
thermistors operatively associated within the circuitry to monitor
water within the tank at multiple points and provide inputs to the
control board that throttles the power to the tank element to
deliver the desired heat at the desired point in time during a
brewing cycle.
18. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including a fill valve,
within the water supply means to the brewers water heating tank,
said fill valve provided for replenishing water dispensed from the
hot water tank, and a dilution valve, said dilution valve provided
for supplying cold water to the brewer housing to mix with the
brewed concentrate to provide for a completed beverage such as an
iced tea.
19. The programmable brewer of claim 18 and including a brew valve,
said brew valve provided for delivering hot water for dispensing
through the brewer sprayhead and over any coffee grounds within the
brew basket to provide for brewing of the desired beverage.
20. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including circuitry
within the brewer for cooperating with the computer means for
establishing the brew parameters of the brewer during usage, said
brewer including a profile storage means within its circuitry, that
stores up to 250 different brewing profiles for selection by the
user when brewing select beverages.
21. The programmable brewer of claim 1 and including a brew
indicator operatively associated with the cover and capable of
illumination to indicate when a brew cycle has been activated.
22. The programmable brewer of claim 21 and including a coffee
basket detect within its structure to indicate when the brew basket
is in place for a coffee brew cycle, a vessel detect, operatively
associated with the base, to detect when a beverage container is in
place for brewing of a beverage, and a pulse heating means,
operatively associated with the water heating tank, to provide for
pulsating of the tank heater to achieve a precise upper set point
for heating of the brewer water within its heating tank during
operations of a brewing cycle.
23. A programmable brewer as set forth in claim 1 and including
circuitry to cooperate with said computer means for establishing
the brew parameters for the brewer, and including a cycle counter,
within the circuitry, to count the number of brew cycles performed
by the brewer during usage, and a filter tracking means, to
determine the remaining life of a filter after repeated usage.
24. A programmable brewer for use in a beverage brewing apparatus
incorporating a housing, said housing holding a water heating tank,
a base, said housing integrated into the back of the base for
providing support, said base designed for supporting a decanter or
beaker for a beverage brewing cycle, a cover, said cover attached
to the top of the housing, and said cover cantilevered forwardly
therefrom, a spray head integrated into the forward portion of the
housing cover, and fluid flow lines provided for delivering water
from the housing and its heating tank to the sprayhead for delivery
of a select quantity of a predetermined temperature of water during
the performance of a brewing cycle; a computer means operatively
associated with the brewer, said computer means provided for
establishing a variety of brew parameters for the brewer during a
brewing cycle, said computer provided for calibrating the amount of
heated water delivered through the sprayhead during a cycle, said
computer provided for calibrating the range of temperature of the
water heated within the water tank for delivery through the
sprayhead during a brewing cycle, said computer provided for
inputting of the myriad of brewing parameters for the beverage to
be brewed into the computer, and for their display on the front of
the housing cover, a control board provided within the brewer and
storing the myriad of brewing parameters inputted into the brewer
from the computer means, at least one button provided upon the
brewer for selecting the beverage profile to be brewed, and at
least another button provided upon the brewer for actuation when a
brew cycle has been selected, and is to be initiated by the
user
25. The programmable brewer of claim 24 and including a further
button, the at least said one button provided for advancing the
brewing parameters displayed on the front of the housing cover, and
the further button provided for reversing the display of brewing
parameters until a brewing profile is selected, at which time the
another button is actuated for initiating a brewing cycle as
selected.
Description
CROSS REFERENCE
[0001] This application is a nonprovisional patent application
which claims priority to patent application having Ser. No.
60/930,470 filed on May 16, 2007.
FIELD OF INVENTION
[0002] This invention relates to a beverage brewing apparatus, and
more specifically to a brewing apparatus that may be programmable
to provide for the specific type of a myriad of beverages to be
brewed therefrom upon selection.
BACKGROUND OF INVENTION
[0003] Numerous brewing apparatuses have long been available for
many, many years, generally commencing back around the 1950's, when
the automation of brewing primarily for use in commercial brewers,
was given consideration, and developed, to facilitate the
preparation of primarily coffee, at commercial establishments such
as restaurants, hotels, and the like. These types of brewers
generally utilized a large tank, into which cold water was
deposited, and when heated, the hot water rose within the brewing
tank, to provide for a siphoning action of the heated hot water to
be dispensed into a spray head for deposit upon coffee grounds, for
brewing of this type of beverage. Many of these mechanical types of
brewers have long been available in the art, and most of them
operate off the same principle, but utilize different mechanical
features for enhancing either the operations of the heating tank,
the spray head, the basket, and the means for mounting the basket
within the brewer, and related types of improvements.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION
[0004] This invention relates primarily to beverage brewing, and
more specifically to a programmable brewer that can be preset to
provide for a selection of a multitude of brewed beverages, of
various types, flavors, strengths, and even dispensed from manual
brewing, or automatic brewing, of a variety of beverages. More
specifically, the brewer of this invention includes the hot water
tank, with its integrated base, and a cantilever spray head, that
furnishes the usual format for brewing of variety of beverages,
whether it be coffee, tea, hot chocolate, or the like. The brewer
further is programmable, so as to provide for onboard programming
instructions, that can be initiated through switch selections, that
furnishes programming of the calibration of the various water flow
rates, the power mode selection, the maximum temperature set
points, and a variety of intensities and concentrations of
beverages to be brewed, whether it be the usual coffee, tea, hot
chocolate, or other type beverages. Essentially, the concept
further includes a dispensing of hot water, that may be used for
the auxiliary processing and delivery to make hot chocolate,
depending upon the desires and selection of the consumer.
[0005] The brewer of this invention can be calibrated insitu, at
the factory, but that the various adjustments to the particular
parameters of the brewer may be done upon installation, that may
determine the precise volume of water that is to be delivered by
the brewer, within a specific time frame, and from its various
points of delivery of the hot water, as determined from the
programmed parameters of the brewer, and the various recipes that
are programmed into it, to produce precise beverages at the
consumers' selections.
[0006] The brewer includes conveniently exposed controls, that may
be manipulated by the user, in the form of a switch plate, and
various selection buttons, and in addition, furnishes other
controls, conveniently located, to assure that once the brewer is
programmed, and its various parameters are established within its
computer controls, the brewer will function to repeatedly produce a
high quality of beverage, at the selection of the user, to the
amount and strength as desired, repeatedly during usage and
application.
[0007] It is, therefore, the principal object of this invention to
provide a programmable beverage brewer that will function highly
efficiently, for a sustained period of time, to produce quality
beverage at the consumers' selection.
[0008] It is yet another object of this invention to provide a
commercial programmable brewer that can be easily operated, by the
facilities workers, in which the brewer of this invention is
installed.
[0009] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
programmable beverage brewer that can continuously provide a
precisely brewed beverage to the quantity, strength, and selection,
of the user.
[0010] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
brewer that incorporates a lateral faucet, from which hot water
maybe dispensed, as when cooking peripheral beverages, such as hot
chocolate.
[0011] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
supplemental faucet, that may deliver cooler water, when the user
desires to add cold water dilution to a brewed cup or decanter of
coffee, or the like.
[0012] Still another object of this invention is to provide a
programmable beverage brewer wherein its electronic component
control board is integrated within the structure of the
housing.
[0013] These and other objects may become more apparent to those
skilled in the art upon review of the summary of the invention as
provided herein, and upon undertaking a study of the description of
its preferred embodiment, in view of the drawings.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0014] In referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 is a an isometric view
of the programmable brewer of this invention;
[0015] FIG. 2 is an isometric view of a modified programmable
brewer of this invention;
[0016] FIG. 3 is a front view thereof;
[0017] FIG. 4 is a rear view thereof;
[0018] FIG. 5 is a side view;
[0019] FIG. 6 is a top view;
[0020] FIG. 7 is a bottom view:
[0021] FIG. 8 is an isometric view of a slightly modified brewer of
this invention, showing a forwardly disposed conveniently placed
control panel;
[0022] FIG. 9 is an isometric view of a further modified
programmable brewer;
[0023] FIG. 10 is an isometric view of a further modified
programmable brewer;
[0024] FIG. 11 is an isometric view of a further modified
programmable brewer;
[0025] FIG. 12 is a front view;
[0026] FIG. 13 is a rear view;
[0027] FIG. 14 is a right side view;
[0028] FIG. 15 is a top view;
[0029] FIG. 16 is a bottom view;
[0030] FIG. 17 is a rear view of a modified programmable
brewer;
[0031] FIG. 18 is a left side view;
[0032] FIG. 19 is a front view;
[0033] FIG. 20 is a top view;
[0034] FIG. 21 is a partial view looking upwardly at the location
where the brew basket is installed in place during a brewing
cycle;
[0035] FIG. 22 is a front view of the upper portion of the brewer,
with the front panel removed;
[0036] FIG. 23 is a front view of the lower portion of the brewer
with the front panel removed;
[0037] FIG. 24 is a top of the brewer with the top panel
removed;
[0038] FIG. 25 discloses the back of the brewer with its heatsink
in place;
[0039] FIG. 26 is a further back view of the brewer;
[0040] FIG. 27 shows the wiring diagram for the electrical and
electronic components providing electrical operations to the
programmable brewer of this invention; and
[0041] FIG. 28 shows the source code and operating code for the
programmable functions that furnishes onboard programming for
operations of the beverage brewer of this invention.
TABLE-US-00001 [0042] PARTS LIST Ref. No. Description 1 Tank
assembly w/lid, 1650/6600 W 2 Tank lid assembly, 1650/6600 W 3 Tank
only 4 Tank lid, spotweld assembly 5 Element, 165/6600, ring
terminals 6 Nut, 1/2-20 brass jam 7 Gasket, plated brass, 520 ID 8
Thermostat, limit, DPST, 40 A 9 Theristor, dual, 7 5/16'' 10
Gasket, silicone tank 11 Probe assembly, 1 7/16'' 12 Probe
assembly, 2'' 13 Tube fitting assembly 14 Washer, .451 ID .times.
.750 OD, S/S 15 Nut, 7/16-20, S/S 16 Elbow, male 1/4 comp .times.
1/8 NPT 17 Gasket, 3/8 ID .times. 3/4 OD, .075 TH 18 Bulkhead,
faucet outlet 19 Gasket, plated brass, .566 ID 20 Grommet,
silicone, no slit Other Plumbing 21 Valve, solenoid, dump NC 22
Valve, solenoid, dump NC, 180 23 Valve assembly, fill/cold dilution
24 Nut, fill valve 25 Gasket, fill valve 26 PDS flow control
assembly 27 Fitting, bulkhead, faucet/dilution 28 Tube assembly,
faucet, w/handle 29 Tube, cold dilution 30 Elbow, 3/8 stem .times.
1/4 tube, PP 31 Elbow, 3/8 union, cut short 32 Tube, 1/4'' S/S,
valve to dilution 33 Tube, 1/4'' S/S valve to tank fill 34
Sprayhead, RD for dump, NH 35 Insert, flow restrictor 36 Tubing,
silicone, 1/8 ID .times. 1/4 OD 37 Tubing, silicone, 3/8 ID .times.
5/8 OD 38 Plug, 3/8 barbed, PP 39 Hose clamp, .574 Dia Other Parts
40 Lid, tea urn, S/S 41 Control board assembly, in box 42 Control
board w/IR board 43 IR board 44 Panel with inserts, wave switch 45
Label, switchplates 46 Panel assembly, heater power 47 Heatsink 4.6
.times. 2.4 .times. 1.5 48 Triac, 40 Amp 49 Switch, DP/ST, rocker
50 Transformer, 120 V prim, 24 V CT, 40 VA 51 Sensor assembly,
vessel detect 52 Switch assy, micro DC3 w/o 2 pole conn. 53
Bracket, basket detection switch 54 Terminal block 55 Label,
terminal block 56 Power cord assembly, 15 A 57 Grommet, strain
relief 58 Plate, cord 59 Bushing, 11/8 Snap Cabinet and
Miscellaneous 60 Cover assembly, brewer top 61 Panel w/inserts, LH
side 62 Panel w/inserts, RH side 63 Panel, no inserts, as molded
universal side 64 Insert, brass 6-32 w/ flange 65 Base assembly 66
base, as molded 67 Insert, brass 8-32 68 Channel, RH leg 69
Channel, LH leg 70 Foot, screw on 71 Rail, RH brew nail 72 Rail LH
brew nail 73 Panel, (wave), front main access 74 Bolt, 1/4-20
.times. 11/4, S/S 75 Washer, 1/4'' split lock 76 Washer, .218 ID
.times. .562 OD SS Brew Basket 77 Basket assembly, S/S coffee 78
Vacuum breaker assembly 79 Nut, 3/8-32 jam 80 O-ring, .375 ID
.times. .500 OD
DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT
[0043] In referring to the drawings, and by way of example in
viewing the brewer as shown if FIG. 1, in addition to its
modifications as shown in FIGS. 2, 8, 9, 10, and 11, generally, the
brewer of this invention includes a housing H, having a cover
assembly C provided mounted onto the housing, and extending in
cantilevered fashion forwardly, for holding a brew basket B, during
usage. A support base S is integrated into the housing at its
bottom and extends forwardly, for supporting a decanter or beaker
(not shown) where the brewed beverage is deposited, during usage.
There is also a back panel T that is provided, for furnishing
closure to the backend of the housing, as during installation.
[0044] The more specific components for the structure of this
beverage brewer will be hereinafter described. In referring to FIG.
24, a tank assembly 1 is provided within the housing, located under
its tank lid assembly 2, which provides support for select of the
operative components, in addition to the water flow lines, required
for routine operations of the brewer. The tank is generally shown
extending downwardly, as at 3, and is located within the housing,
rearwardly of the brewer, as known in the trade. A tank lid 4, as
can be seen in FIG. 20, is provided for closure to this upper
region of the brewer, when the lid is generally affixed to the
upper flanges 100, integrally formed along the upper edges of the
housing H.
[0045] As previously stated, the various control elements, as at 5,
that are mounted upon the assembly 2, as previously referred to.
Various fasteners, such as the nut 6 are provided for securing the
assembly in place, when the brewer is constructed. Any type of
gasket material, such as a plated brass gasket 7 can be used, to
assure that the assembly remains in place, and is not displaced,
particularly after prolonged exposure to the heat of the operating
brewer, since the heating water tank 3 is located just below
thereof, during usage. A thermostat 8 is provided upon the lid
assembly, and furnishes control to the operations of the device,
from a heat standpoint, since this is a limit thermostat that may
also shutoff the operations of the brewer, in the event that
excessive heat is encountered. A dual thermistor (temp sensor) 9 is
also provided, for determining temperature limits within the tank,
as the water is being heated, to assure that proper temperature
control is maintained during a brewing cycle, and while the water
is being heated within the tank during usage. As can be noted,
various types of probes, identified as the probe assembles 11 and
12, are provided, for extending their probe down into the water
tank, in order to furnish an accurate gauge as to the water levels
within the tank, and the temperatures being generated, during a
brewing cycle. A tube fitting assembly 13 is provided, and provides
for the connection of the water flow tube 10, that may deliver
water to the spray head of the brewer, as will be subsequently
described. Various washers and fasteners may be provided for
assuring that the tube fitting assembly furnishes a water tight
seal, at the location where it extends into the water tank, during
installation and usage. A bulk head is furnished at 18, that
connects with the water tank, that provides a delivery of water to
a faucet or other outlet, provided at the front of the brewer.
[0046] At the front of the brewer, within its cantilever cover C,
is a valve solenoid 21, that controls the delivery of fluid within
the upper segment of the brewer, during functioning. This is a dump
drain that allows for removal of any excess brewed beverage, as a
bypass. A similar type of solenoid valve, that functions as a
brewing cycle valve, is provided at 22.
[0047] As can be seen in FIG. 23, the valve assembly that provides
for filling of the tank with cold water, or which furnishes a cold
dilution to a brewed beverage, is controlled through this valve 23.
At 24, as noted in FIG. 26, is the incoming water fill valve that
is provided for also filling the tank assembly. At 25 there is also
provided a gasket that provides a fluidic seal for the filled
valve. At 26 is the PDS flow control regulator assembly for the
cold water inlet.
[0048] In referring to FIG. 21, the fitting and bulk head faucet
for delivery of cold for dilution purposes can be noted at 27. This
cold water faucet for delivering cold water for dilution purposes
can also be seen in FIG. 18. A tube assembly faucet with handle can
be noted at 28, and is provided for delivery of hot water
extraneously, such as when one may desire to brew a cup of hot
chocolate, or related beverage. The tube that delivers the cold
water for dilution purposes is noted at 29. Both of the cold water
dilution and the hot water tube 28 are conveniently provided
laterally at the front of the housing, for the convenience of use
by the user.
[0049] At 32 and 33, respectively, in FIG. 23, are the tubes that
connect with the valve assemblies, as noted, that deliver water to
the cold water dilution tube 29, or provides the valve and tube for
conveyance of cold water to the fill tank, with respect to the tube
33.
[0050] Referring once again to FIG. 21, the outlet for the heated
water is provided at the spray head 34, and there is also provided
an insert that controls and functions as a flow restrictor, as
noted at 35. As can be seen in FIG. 24, tubing, as at 36, provides
for the transference of water, which allows water to drain from the
apparatus. In addition, the tubing 38 furnishes similar means for
conveyance of water during operations of the device. As noted in
FIG. 23, a drain plug is provided at 38, and it provides for
support of the drain tube 39 therethrough.
[0051] At the upper front of the cover C, interiorly of its face
plate 43, is the control board assembly 41, that regulates the
controls of the brewer, when instructions are provided through the
manipulation of various of the buttons, provided at the front of
said cover, as at said 43. See FIG. 24. In addition, as can be
noted in FIG. 21, all the various brewing profiles, and other data
that is calculated and displayed from the programming of the
computer for the brewer, is displayed at the screen 43a, as can be
noted. The types of controls as utilized can also be seen in the
various isometric figures, such as FIG. 1. In addition, integrated
into the control board assembly is the control board with/IR board
as at 42, which furnishes accurate control when instructions are
delivered through the keyboard, at the front of the brewer cover.
As can also be noted in FIG. 21, in order to add to the
decorativeness of the brewer, its front panel may be formed as a
wave configured switch, as at 44. As previously reviewed, the
various switch plates, or the buttons that control the instructions
from the user, are provided at 45, and these are generally numbered
as switch number "1", "2", or "3".
[0052] At the back of the unit, as can be seen in FIG. 25, is the
panel assembly heater power 46, which mounts a heat sink 47, which
further includes a triac, at 40 amps, as at 48, for heat
dissipation purposes. A switch 49, the operations of which will be
subsequently described, is a double pole, single throw, rocker type
of switch.
[0053] As can also be seen at the front of the brewer, as noted in
FIG. 22, is a transformer 50 which normally operates from a 120
volt primary current, and reduces the voltage down to a 24 volt
charge, for operations of the controls for the brewer. As can also
be seen in FIG. 23, a sensor assembly, identified as a vessel
detect, is shown at 51. As noted in FIG. 24, a switch assembly,
micro switch, with a two pole connector, is provided at 52. A
bracket means is furnished at 53 for holding this assembly.
[0054] The electrical terminal block 54 is noted in FIG. 23. 55
provides a label, terminal block. The electrical wires leading into
the brewer are contained within the power cord assembly 56, and
which connect with the terminal block, and it is designed to
accommodate a 15 amp maximum power. Optionally, the brewer may also
operate off of 240 Volts, 30 amps, in a variation upon the
electrical operations of the device. A strain relief grommet, as at
57, is provided at the point of entry of the power cord, so as to
prevent any pulling or tugging upon the wire from affecting any of
the internal electrical components of the brewer.
[0055] At 59 is a bushing, to accommodate the entrance of the hose
39 therein.
[0056] The cover C for the brewer is formed of a cover assembly 60,
a supplemental housing 60a, that includes a left side panel insert
61, and a right side panel insert 62, with the front panel with its
various switches being provided at the front 43. The housing H is
located below the cover 60, and it is integrated into the base S,
formed of the base assembly 65 as can be noted. The sides of the
housing may be decorated to add to its aesthetics. The base 65 is a
molded base 66 and has channels 68 and 69 provided to either side,
as can be noted. The base can be configured, as noted at 70, so as
to accommodate the location of a decanter or beaker thereon, when a
brewing cycle is in progress.
[0057] Underneath of the cover, as can be seen in FIG. 21, is the
right side rail 71 and the left side rail 72 that accommodates the
insertion and retention of the brew basket B, since the basket has
a perimeter flange (not shown) provided around its periphery, and
which can insert between the said rails, and the underside of the
cover, as noted at 74, when the brew basket, laden with a filter
and grounds, is inserted therein, in preparation for conduct of a
brew cycle. The front panel, as noted at 73, is of a wave pattern,
to add to the aesthetics of the brewer.
[0058] The basket B is more aptly disclosed as the basket assembly
77, as can be noted.
[0059] This generally describes the overall construction of the
assembled brewer, as provided for acceptance of the programmable
features of this development.
On Board Programming Instructions
[0060] The brew parameters for this current invention, and other of
its features, requires the usage of a Palm or related computer,
such as available from Palm, Inc., of Sunnyvale, Calif., which is
normally identified as a hand held PDA with special application
software to set up and modify the operations of this programmable
brewer. In addition, it is likely that Blue Tooth capabilities
maybe incorporated into the programming of this brewer, at the
desire of the customer. By design, this brewer has limited
programming functions available. But, the onboard programming
consist of calibration of the various water flow rates, the power
mode selection, and maximum temperature set point. The selection of
which of the internally stored brew profiles to activate is also
possible although profiles may not be modified or added without the
use of the PDA device.
[0061] The programmable brewer has four multi use buttons located
on the front switch panel, as at 43, as previously explained. Three
of the buttons are located to the lower left of the lighted display
panel, and are labeled "1", "2" and "3" from left to right. These
buttons are used for brewing during normal operations. For example,
the various brewing profiles, are the myriad of options available
for brewing different types of coffees, for example, within the
apparatus, can be displayed upon the screen 43a, by depressing
button number "1", for going through the profiles in advance, or by
pressing button number "3", to advance downwardly in the display of
the profiles upon said screen. Then, when a particular brewing
profile is reached, to the selection and desire of the customer,
button number "2" can be depressed for initiating a brewing cycle.
Obviously, two buttons could be used for this feature, by simply
scrolling in one direction through the various brewing profiles,
and then selecting the brew button, when the precise type of brew
is selected, for initiating a brewing cycle. The remaining button
is on the right side of the display, and is labeled as hot water,
upon the embodiment. This button is for dispensing of hot water
through the faucet tube 28, during normal operation. On the right
rear side of the brewer as previously reviewed at 49, and below the
heat sink 47, is the switch that can be used to cycle power to the
control board. This is necessary to enter into the various
programming modes of the brewer.
[0062] The calibration of the programming mode is as follows.
Although the brewer will have been calibrated at the factory, it
may be necessary to make adjustments to the various parameters
outlined previously, to accommodate factors specific to the
location. Additionally, these steps will be required if a new
control has been installed in the brewer, as when the brewer may
have been repaired or serviced. The brewer should be plumbed in and
connected to the electrical power supply, prior to beginning of
this programming process.
[0063] The water calibration cycle allows measurement and setting
of the volume of water delivered by the brewer within a specific
time frame from various points of delivery. This assures that the
volume delivered during operation will meet the programmed volume
parameters contained in the brewing recipes. For hot water cycles,
the brewer will heat to the proper temperature prior to
dispensing.
[0064] As can be seen in FIG. 28, the sequence of programming is
readily identified.
[0065] The power up screen, displayed upon the PDA, is shown when
programming is initiated. Then, to enter the calibration mode, as
at 101, the switch off power switch 49 on the back of the unit is
depressed, and one holds the hot water button while turning the
switch back on. One continues to hold the hot water button until
the first calibration screen, as shown at 101, appears for
approximately five seconds.
[0066] The brew step of the calibration process is shown at 102.
This process will measure and set the amount of water that is
delivered through the spray head, during a brewing cycle. This
water would be delivered over the coffee grounds in the brew basket
during the coffee brew cycle. One places a suitable container below
the spray head to collect the water to be dispensed. The brew
basket may be inserted in the brewer if desired. Depressing of
button number 2, or the middle button upon the front panel 43,
begins the dispense cycle. The display will count down the
remaining time for the cycle.
[0067] After the brewer has finish dispensing, and all of the water
has drained into the container, one measures the volume of water
that was delivered and programs the value into the brewer, as noted
at 103. One uses the button "1", and the button "3", to set the
volume display to match the volume delivered. This adjusts the
volume either down, by depressing button number "1", or up, by
depressing button number "3", to display the exact volume as
delivered during the cycle. Then, one presses the number "2" button
to enter the accepted value, when it has been properly and
correctly set for volume of water as dispensed. Then, by depressing
the button number "3", this advances to the hot bypass calibration
step, as noted at 104. This step will measure and set the amount of
water delivered through the hot water bypass outlet, located near
the front side of the spray head. This water would be delivered in
the bypass area of the brew basket on a coffee brew cycle, or into
the tea brew basket when it sets on the tea dispenser for a tea
brewing cycle. Then, one needs to set a suitable container below
the outlet fitting to collect the water to be dispensed. This is
noted at 105. One depresses the button 2 to begin the dispense
cycle. The display will count down the remaining time for the brew
cycle. After the brewer has finish dispensing, and all water has
drained into the container, one measures the volume of water that
is delivered. Then, one programs this value into the brewer using
the steps as previously outlined above, as can be noted at 106. One
then depresses the button "3" to advance to the cold water bypass
calibration step. This is set forth at 107. This step will measure
and set the amount of water delivered through the cold water bypass
tube located at the left rear side of the brew zone, as previously
noted at 29. This is water that will be delivered into an ice tea
container, during a tea brew cycle. Then, one needs to place a
suitable container below the tube 29, to collect the water to be
dispensed. This step is provided at 108. One then depresses the
button "2" to begin the dispensing cycle. The display will count
down the remaining time for cold water dispensing. After the brewer
has finished dispensing, and all water has drained into the
container, one measures the volume of water that was delivered.
This is then programmed as a value into the brewer using the steps
outlined above. See 109.
[0068] One then depresses the button number "3", on the front
panel, to advance to the faucet calibration step. This is noted at
110. This step will measure and set the amount of water delivered
through the hot water dispense tube, as at 28, located at the right
rear side of the brew zone of the device. This water can be used
for various purposes such as for making hot chocolate, cocoa, or
hot tea. One places a suitable container below the hot water tube
to collect the water being dispensed. This is noted at 111. One
depresses the button "2" to begin the dispense cycle. The display
will count down the remaining time for hot water dispensing. After
the brewer has finish dispensing, and all water has been drained
into the container, one measures the volume of the water that was
delivered, as at 112. This value is programmed into the brewer,
using the step outlined above. This concludes the water calibration
process for the brewer.
[0069] The next step is to change the setting of the faucet mode,
as noted at 113. The operator needs to depress the button "3" on
the front panel to advance to the faucet mode selection step. This
step allows selection of one of the three operation modes as to be
subsequently described. One needs to depress the button "2" to
choose the operation mode, as at 114. The mode displayed is the
current brewer setting. The automatic mode causes a preprogrammed
volume of hot water to be dispensed from the hot water dispense
tube, the faucet, each time the faucet button is depressed. The use
of buttons "1" and "3" to select a different mode if automatic
dispensing is not desired, is noted at 115. The manual mode will
dispense hot water only for as long as the faucet button is
depressed. This is useful for variable dispense amounts and
corresponds with traditional mechanical faucet operations. The off
mode, as at 116, allows the faucet to be disabled for locations
where it is not desirable to allow dispensing of hot water. The
faucet button will be inactive. To set the dispense volume, as the
faucet volume, this insures that the automatic dispense is
displayed as the faucet mode and is initiated through depression of
the button number "2", as noted at 117. One will see displayed upon
the PDA screen the volume setting as noted herein. If no change is
desired, then one simply depresses the button "3" to advance to the
next selection option. One then needs to depress the button number
"2" to review or change the volume setting, as noted at 118. The
use of buttons "1" and "3" to lower or raise the displayed value
can be performed. Once the desired dispense volume is displayed,
one only needs to press the button "2" to confirm the setting of
that value. This will then return the operator to the previous
screen.
[0070] When one depresses the button number "3", at this stage, the
programmable features are advanced to the power mode setting of the
screen, as noted at 119. This step allows the selection of the
heater power mode. One depresses the button "2" to allow selection
of the power mode. In the normal power mode, the tank temperature
is maintained at the set point as determined by the active brew
profile with the lowest set point. This is noted at 120 during the
programmable mode. This set point will be maintained during the
idle mode. One then depresses the button "2" to select the normal
power mode. In the power save mode, the tank temperature will be
regulated as noted in the normal mode until a specified period of
inactivity has elapsed. This can be noted at 121. Once this power
down time has elapsed with no brew activity, the temperature set
point is lowered to 170.degree. F. One needs to depress the button
"2" to select the power save mode. In the power down mode, the tank
temperature will be regulated as noted in normal mode until a
specified period of inactivity has elapsed. See screen 122. Once
this power down time has elapsed with no brew activity, the tank
element is shut off. One depresses button number "2" to select the
power down mode. The desired period of inactivity is set in the
power down time setting screen, as noted at 123. This screen will
only display if either power save or power down has been selected
as the power mode. One advances to this screen by depressing button
"3" after selecting one of these two modes. One depresses button
"2" to select the power down time mode. The use of buttons "1"
(down) and "3" (up) to set the inactivity period before set
back/shut down is the next step. This is noted at 124. One presses
button "2" (enter) to accept the value established, when it is set
correctly. This will return the operator to the previous screen.
Then, one depresses the button "3" to advance to the filter monitor
screen, as noted at 125. This screen allows access to a couple of
water filter settings, as to be noted in the following sections.
One depresses the button "2" to enter the filter volume monitor and
reset the screen as noted at 126. The remaining filtering capacity
of the installed water filter (if applicable) will be displayed.
Depressing button "2" will take one back to the previous screen
with no change to the value for volume remaining. Depressing
buttons "1" or "3" will reset the filter volume to the same
capacity of the filter last installed, as recorded in the brewer's
memory.
[0071] If the filter was reset, the filter change date screen will
be displayed, as at 127, when the button "2" is pressed. Enter the
anticipated month and year to change the filter using the buttons
"1" and "3". The brewer does not use this value to indicate when to
change a filer, but relies upon the actual water used. This is only
used as a reference for service personnel. One uses button "2" to
confirm value and exit to filter monitor screen. One depresses the
button number "3" to advance to the calibration exit screen. This
is noted at 128. Depressing the button "2" will exit the system
while depressing and holding button "2" (5 seconds) will allow one
to calibrate the boiling point based on the location of the brewer,
and adjust to the maximum temperature set point value accordingly.
The next screen, as at 129, is where the maximum temperature set
point value is entered. The value is calculated as soon as the
screen is entered and is displayed to the right in parentheses. The
value at the left is the current set value. Use of buttons "1"
(down) and "3" (up) are manipulated to set the value to the
recommended value. It is not advisable to set the value higher than
the recommended value for the brewer. Then, one depresses button
"2" to enter your selection and use button "1" to back up to the
exit screen, as noted at 130. One depresses button "2" to exit the
calibration programming mode.
[0072] At this stage, one can establish the brew profile activation
program mode. The programmable brewer can hold up to 250 brew
profiles for a variety of brewed beverages. This mode is used to
set the activation status dependent on the products and volumes to
be brewed at a specific location. The selection must be made from
among profiles that already exist within the brewer. The PDA with
the proper software application may be used to modify existing
profiles or to add new ones. The PDA may also be used to set
activation status. To enter the profile activation mode, as noted
at 131, the switch off power switch on the back of the unit, as at
49, is depressed, and one should hold any one of the brew buttons
("1", "2", or "3") while turning the switch back on. One should
continue to hold the button until the first activation screen is
shown, as noted at 131, for approximately 5 seconds. Lines two and
three will look different on the screen on your machine. The top
line is simply indicating the function of buttons "1"-"3" while in
this mode. "1" equals scroll up, while "2" equals scroll down, and
"3" toggles the profile on or off. The bottom line indicates
whether the profile is on or off on left and notes use faucet (hot
water) button to exit. Line two shows the profile name for the
establishment, and line three shows the profile number as well as
the pack size of the coffee or tea. Use the buttons to scroll
through the available profiles and insure that the on/off setting
meets the requirements for the location. When this is done, one
exits the mode.
[0073] Finally, the onboard brewer programming is now complete. One
of the remaining screens will show the name of the establishment,
as noted at 132. One should see the screen as noted at 132, and no
more than three profiles have been set to be active, as noted in
lines two-four. If more than three profiles have been set to be
active, the screen will be similar to what is shown at 133. The
line one-three will vary for each brew profile, the bottom light is
simply indicating the function for the buttons "1"-"3". "1" and "2"
scroll up and down the list of active profiles in the brewer, and
"3" initiates the displayed brew cycle.
[0074] This provides a detailed summary of the onboard programming
of the programmable brewer, through the use of a hand held
computer, or PDA, in setting up the brewer for various brew cycles.
As commented, the programmable brewer, of this design, has been
developed to hold up to 250 brew profiles for the variety of
brewable beverages that can be obtained from this device.
Description of a Circuit Diagram
[0075] In referring to FIG. 27, of the application, therein is
shown the circuit diagram for the electrical operations of this
programmable brewer. In addition, it discloses the various computer
chip that are embodied within this structure to provide for the
programmable operations of the brewer, once its parameters have
been calibrated either at the factory, or through the usage of a
hand held computer.
[0076] As noted, the circuitry includes a power cord 201 that
conducts either high voltage (120 or 240 V ac) electrical power to
the brewer cabinet or housing. A terminal block 202 serves as
junction point between the internal wiring of the brewer, and the
exterior power supply. A power switch 203 breaks the electrical
circuit to the transformer 204 and the conduct of high voltage to
the control board. This allows a method requiring deliberate intent
to enter into various brewer programming modes (which requires that
both certain keys be depressed on the face of the brewer while
simultaneously switching on brewer power), all as previously
reviewed in this application. The switch, which is a double pole
single throw switch, also allows the unit to be easily powered off
if it is to be left unattended for extended periods of time. The
transformer 204 provides a means to step down the high voltage
power, as previously reviewed, to a lower voltage, for use in
certain and select parts of the circuitry, such as the water level
probes and the temperature sensors. This also provides power for an
auxiliary power port.
[0077] The auxiliary power port 205 provides a method for
connection of low voltage supplementary equipment, such as a ground
coffee dispenser, to enhance the utility of the brewer. The use of
low voltage power allows placement of another piece of equipment
without using another electrical receptacle, since these are often
at a premium in a restaurant, c-store, or similar environment of
usage.
[0078] A triac 205 provides a rugged, high life cycle method of
cycling power to the tank heater, as noted at 206, and this allows
a method to tailor the effective wattage of the tank heater through
quick electrical pulses to very accurately controlled
characteristics of the heating cycle. A Hi limit thermostat, at
206, serves as a back up to protect the heating system from a
component failure that would cause the heater to run on after the
desired tank temperature has been reached. The Hi limit is a
mechanical bi-metal thermostat that will open the electrical
circuit if over heating occurs.
[0079] The tank heater 206 incorporates its heating element, and is
designed to run off of the 120 Volt or 240 Volt AC power, allowing
connection to either power supply without changing of components.
The element heats the water required for the brewing process. The
thermistors, as noted at 207, including a lower thermistor 208 and
an upper thermistor 209 monitor the water at multiple points in the
tank and provides inputs to the control board so that it can
throttle the power to the tank element to deliver the desired heat
at the desired point in time. The upper probe, 209, is monitoring
water at the delivery point while the lower probe, 208, is
monitoring the water near the heater.
[0080] The water level probes 210 control the water level entering
into and existing in the heater tank. There is an upper probe and a
lower probe, and the probe that is used for filing the tank is
dependent on the temperature of the water in the tank. The lower
probe will be the stop for water when the water is below a certain
temperature threshold. Once heated to a desired level, the upper
probe will become the regulating probe and the lower probe will
serve as a backup. This gives the brewer the ability to compensate
for the normal water expansion in the system that accompanies the
rise in temperature. This both allows for more accurate and
consistent water delivery as well as prevents any dripping that may
occur in a normal system.
[0081] A vessel detection sensor 211 is a non contact reed switch
that is actuated by a magnet mounted to vessels of a certain size.
This ensures that a vessel of a certain size and type is present to
receive the brewed beverage, during performance of a brewing cycle.
This sensor can also stop water delivery and sound a warning if a
brew basket is removed prematurely during a brewing cycle.
[0082] There is also included within the circuitry an RF antennae,
which is not shown, and the antennae is provided for receiving an
RF signal from a container which allows for further refinement of
the vessel detection as noted above. This can assure that not only
the right volume is brewed, but can also match a flavor to a
particular container to prevent cross contamination or ensure that
decaf is brewed into the vessel labeled for decaf. A further use of
this technology is to track how old a brewed beverage in a
particular container is by tracking time since the container was
last brewed.
[0083] The basket detection 212 is applied to indicate that the
correct basket for the brew cycle chosen is present, and properly
located. It can also stop water delivery and sound a warning if the
brew basket is removed during a brew cycle.
[0084] A fill valve, as at 213, is provided for replenishing water
dispensed from the hot water tank, as through the brewer sprayhead.
A dilution valve 214 is provided for supplying cold water to the
beverage container to mix with the brewed concentrate to provide
for a completed beverage, such as an iced tea. Further provided is
a brew valve 215, and this provides hot water for dispensing
through the brewer sprayhead and over the coffee grounds, or other
product located in a receptacle below the sprayhead, to provide all
or just the concentrated portion of a brewed beverage. A bypass
valve 216 is used as a brew valve (as noted above) when it is
desirable to use an alternate method of distributing the hot water
over the beverage, rather than the sprayhead as noted previously.
For instance, to brew iced tea a special receptacle with an
integrated hot water diffuser is place directly on top of the
beverage container. The tea leaves are placed in the basket and the
vessel is put in place on the brewer base. When the brew cycle is
started, the hot water is delivered to the tea basket. A second use
for the bypass valve is to allow some portion of the hot water that
would normally be passed over the coffee grounds to be diverted
around the product and subsequently mixed with the brewed
concentrate to yield a finished beverage. This can minimize or
eliminate the effects of over extraction that may occur by pass all
hot water over the grounds, greatly improving the beverage flavor
and quality. The timing of the delivery throughout the brew cycle
can be varied in near infinite combinations which alter the
characteristics of the brewed beverage. A bypass volume of 20% can
deliver many different brewed product flavors depending on how the
timing of its delivery is combined with that of the brew valve.
[0085] Also noted in the circuit diagram of FIG. 27 is the control
board 217, and which contains the various chips CN1-2-6, etc., that
receive the input and store the various brew profiles that are
inputted from the computer M, which, as described, may comprise a
Palm computer, Blue Tooth, or other computer PDA that is used to
input special software applications to modify the configurations or
settings of the brewing profiles, that are stored within the
control board 217, and its operative components.
[0086] A faucet valve, as previously reviewed in the preferred
embodiment, is a faucet valve that allows delivery of hot water for
additional uses, such as cooking or making other beverages, such as
hot chocolate, cocoa, or the like. The faucet valve can be set to
deliver a preset volume, to run as long as the switch is held, or
tuned off, for maximum flexibility. The physical structure of the
faucet tube may be quickly removed or installed without tools. It
is a pressure fit.
[0087] The specific description of the control board features
follows hereinafter. Although the coffee brewer incorporates a
number of advanced features for ultimate brewing performance, the
overall brewer operation remains essentially the same. That is, the
use of a tank, the heating of the water, its siphoning through a
sprayhead for conducting a brewing cycle. This particular
description herein describes the various features of this
programmable brewer, as managed by its control board. Many of the
features incorporate in the structure of this brewer require the
use of a Palm or other computer PDA and a special software
application to modify configurations or settings. Communication
with the Palm application occurs via its IR. Customizable recipes
may be created, to suit any need of the consumer. By varying
setting such as brew time, temperature, and bypass parameters, a
custom profile can be created to maximize the beverage quality for
any brewable product. A profile storage, for a storage of up to 250
different brewing profiles, with the right combination of brewing
parameters, is just a selection away by the consumer. Any
combination of stored profiles maybe activated on the brewer making
the selection as limited or as diverse as required by a specific
location. Selection flexibility is also built into this brewer. Two
methods of beverage recipes selection for brewing are available
depending on how many profiles are active. If three or less
profiles are active, the display designates a specific profile to
each of the three brew buttons. If more than three profiles have
been activated, the display advises the user to use to use
appropriate buttons to scroll through the available selections
until the one desired is displayed. By simply pushing the button
"3" activates the brew cycle. When the brew cycle is activated,
what is identified as the autoarm provides the water temperature at
the dispense point to be checked, to ensure it is correct for the
selected beverage profile. If the water temperature is below the
water temperature set point when the brew cycle is initiated, the
water delivery portion of the brew cycle is delayed. The display
flashes a preparing to brew instruction, as the temperatures
adjusted accordingly. When the tank reaches the preset temperature,
the brew cycle will resume. The brew indicators, a red neon light
is lit, and a display flashes preparing to brew, to indicate that a
brew cycle has been activated. Once the dispense portion of the
brew process has begun, the display begins to count down the time
remaining for the completion of the brew process. A visibrew
feature is presented, and it provides the amount of time for the
brew basket to finish draining after the water delivery portion of
a brew cycle varies depending on the number factors, such as the
product type, coarseness of grounds, filter paper, etc. visibrew
allows an additional amount of time to be added to the end of the
brew cycle to aid in preventing premature removal of the brew
basket or beverage container. The red neon will continue to glow,
the display count down time will be extended, and the audible alert
will be delayed by this amount. This can be individually set for
each profile. The neon light is provided on the front panel, as at
218. An audible alert feature is also provided, as previously
explained. The audible indicator signals when the brew cycle has
been completed. Additionally, and audible warning indicates when a
brew basket is removed prematurely on the coffee cycle. The alert
will also sound if one of the larger vessels, such as a 1.5 gallon
coffee or a 3 gallon tea container are removed. A coffee basket
detect is also built into the structure of this brewer, as
previously explained. The basket detection sensor helps to ensure
that the coffee basket is in place for a coffee brew cycle, and not
in place for an iced tea brew cycle. A coffee brew cycle cannot
begin without the basket in and the tea cycle cannot begin with a
basket in place. The display prompts the user to ensure that the
tea basket is in place on the dispenser during an iced tea brew
cycle, but there is no tea basket detection. The vessel detect is
also provided. A vessel detection sensor helps to ensure that for
large vats brewing, a large container is in place. This feature
helps to prevent or minimize spillage due to an inappropriate sized
container being in place. Either a 1.0 or a 1.5 gallon coffee, or a
3 gallon iced tea container, satisfies the brewer. A pulse heating
is also provided. As the temperature in the tank closes on the set
point, the tank heater will begin to pulse. This pulse heating
allows the brewer to reach the set point without over shooting as
would occur in a normal heating system. It also allows the water in
the tank to reach a more uniform temperature. If the set point is
exceeded pulsing will stop all together. Filter tracking is also
provided. This feature uses the flow rate of incoming water along
with the programmed filter capacity to calculate the volume of
water that has been filtered and the remaining filter life. The
brewer will prompt the user when the filter is nearing the end of
its rated capacity. A separate warning will indicate that the
filter has reached or exceeded this limit. A water filter is also
provided. This type of filter, which maybe optionally installed, on
the brewer maybe selected on custom filter settings maybe
programmed in. an appropriate date to change the filter maybe
programmed in as well, as well as the actual date install and the
installers name. the brewer will then track water usage and first
prompt the user to change the filter soon and later to change the
filter now based on the filter capacity. A cycle counter is
provided. The total number of brew cycles as well as hot water
dispense cycles started is tracked within the brewer. A new brewer
may have one or more cycles registered due to unit testing at the
factory. Serial number tracking for the brewer may also be
provided. The brewer serial number maybe programmed into the
control board to provide easy access to service personnel. Each
control board has a unique serial number that is stored internally
and is not changeable and is logged to a particular brewer, if
applicable, at the factory. The pulse brew mode is provided. This
mode cycles the brew valves on and off during the brew cycle. This
slows the entry of cold water into the tank and minimizes the
mixing action caused by introducing a large volume of cold water
into the tank at one time resulting in an increase of brew
temperature. The additional turbulence and mixing created in the
brew basket along with the increased temperature can result in
higher extraction rates for the coffee. pulse brewing is enabled
automatically when a profile is created or modified if the brew
time entered exceeds the brew time required based on the valves
flow rates. Power mode allows one to automatically save energy when
the brewer is not in use for a length of time as specified under
power down time. The available mode modes are normal, power save
(standby), and power down. These modes are described herein. The
normal mode is the mode the tank temperature will be maintained at
the lowest of the preset temperatures in the active brew profiles
at all times. The power save, or standby mode, is the mode that
tank temperature will be maintained at approximately 170.degree.,
when the power set down time has been reached. The power down mode
is the mode the tank heater element will be disabled when the set
down time has been reached. By depressing a brew start switch, or
by turning the power back on by cycling the on/off switch, the
timer is reinitiated, and the set time frame starts over. In
standby and power down modes, the auto arm feature will bring the
tank up to the preset temperature before brewing when a brew switch
is depressed. The power down time feature is used to set a
specified length of time ranging before the standby or power down
modes will take affect.
[0088] For the initial set up of this programmable brewer, once the
brewer is connected to water and electrical supplies it is ready to
operate. Although the brewer is calibrated at the factory, it is
recommended that the user perform the procedures outlined
previously for onboard programming, to verify the flow rates, the
maximum temperature set point, and the energy modes required for
installation location.
[0089] The appropriate set of brew profiles, brands and messages
should be loaded into the brewer, as previously explained. The
profiles that will be used should be activated using either the
brew controls or the Palm profiler application. To activate
existing brew profiles using the brewer controls, this can be done
through the onboard programming as instructed. The Palm and
profiler application may be used to set the proper water filter
size and reset the volume counter if applicable. The hot water
button should also be set to the proper dispense mode, or disabled
as desired, and is previously reviewed.
[0090] To begin a coffee brew cycle, to verify that the brew basket
recognition feature is working, one starts a brew cycle, pulls the
basket out about an inch and the brewer should prompt as to whether
the basket needs to be replaced. Reinstall the basket fully and the
brew cycle should continue. Or, if something is wrong with the
operations, the brew cycle will be cancelled.
[0091] If the brew cycle has been activated that requires either
the large coffee or the tea container, check that the vessel
detection feature is working. To do this, begin a brew cycle that
requires the larger vessel without the vessel fully in place. The
screen should prompt for the vessel and when the vessel is set in
place should allow the brew cycle to begin. If the vessel is pulled
forward about an inch or so from the brewer, it should sound an
alarm and prompt the vessel to be replaced.
[0092] To brew a beverage, one places the proper sized coffee
filter into the coffee basket. One adds the appropriate amount of
coffee to the filter for the profile being used for brewing. One
slides the coffee brew basket fully into place on the brew rails.
To ensure that the appropriate beaker or container is centered on
the base below the brew basket, this is done by visual inspection.
One selects the proper button number for the profile to be brewed,
if three or less brew profiles are activated, use of buttons "1" or
"2" to scroll through the available profiles for brewing, if more
than three brew profiles are activated, one does this until the
profile desired is displayed. Then the use of button "3" is
initiated to begin the brew cycle. Hot water will be delivered
through the spray head. This distributes the hot water evenly over
the coffee grounds within the brew basket. Some brew profiles may
route a portion of the hot water around the filter to achieve a
certain taste profile. The coffee brewed will drain from the brew
basket into the decanter below. To clean the brew basket simply
remove it from the brew rails and dump the filter into a waste
container. The brewing process, as described above, is completed,
and now can be restarted again.
[0093] Other beverages can be brewed accordingly, as per the
programmed profile for this brewer. Hot tea can be brewed, iced tea
can be brewed by dispensing through the cold water faucet, or hot
chocolate can be brewed by dispensing from the hot water tube, a
previously explained.
[0094] Variations or modifications to the subject matter of this
invention may occur to those skilled in the art upon review of the
invention as summarized herein, and as described in the preferred
embodiment. The depiction of the invention within the drawings, and
the sequence of screens as presented during the setup and
operations of the programmable brewer are set forth for
illustrative purposes only. Any variation or modifications thereto,
within the scope of this invention, are considered to be
encompassed within the scope of the claims set forth.
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